There is nothing more relaxing to me than tending to my container garden.
There is just something calming about sowing the seeds into freshly turned earth
(or potting soil), caring for its seedlings, gently watering, and eventually
harvesting the fruits of our labor. Other than the stress benefits that can be
obtained from tending to your garden, did you know that there are legitimate
health benefits to having a garden?
1. Those who have a garden tend to get more sun.
In the US
40-60% of the population are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. This is known
to be a potential cause of many disorders/diseases such as
Depression, Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Fatique, and many more to list. Of
course, you can easily take an over-the-counter Vitamin d3 to combat this
deficiency, but did you know that only
15 minutes a day of mid day sun can allow your body to make all of the Vitamin D
it needs? When you tend to your garden, it is generally during the day time
and will help you balance your Vitamin D intake.
2. Gardening gets you out of the house for a breath of fresh air.
Last year
DISCOVER magazine even reported that in your home you’re breathing in:
- Chlorine gas from your cleaning products
- Pieces of cockroaches and other bugs
- Microscopic dust mites
Meanwhile, at work, a cubic meter of air in your office contains:
- Several hundred fungal spores
- 89 micrograms of ethanol
- 42 micrograms of acetone
- 16 micrograms of
formaldehyde- 1/2 microgram of chloroform
Byproducts of your coworkers’
flatulenceThe Benefits of Getting Fresh Air
While
outdoor air isn’t always perfect either, you can do your body (and your
mind) good by making it a point to get some fresh air everyday. What this
means, of course, is that you’re spending time outside, where you’re not only
more likely to be doing something active (i.e. getting exercise!) but you’re
immersed in nature.Numerous studies show that spending time in nature leads to major health
benefits. For instance:
- Living in an area that gives you access to green spaces, such as trees
and grass, may help you to live longer, according to a study in the
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.- Children with access to nature are able to better cope with stress,
while those with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they can get
outdoors, according to a study in the
American Journal of Public Health.- 3Nature can ease stress and anxiety, help you recover from surgery and
illness faster and even increase your mental “flow.”So as much as possible, get outside. For an after-dinner stroll, a picnic
in the park, a night out under the stars … and by all means, make sure your
kids take advantage of the great outdoors, too.
3. Home grown foods taste better and have more nutrients (Not to mention
the cost to yourself and our planet!)
The average piece of produce travels 1500 miles before making it to your
dinner table. It is picked prior to ripening and allowed to ripen in crates and
in the back of trucks denying it, and you, the nutrients that sun ripening
gives. Gardening at home not only saves you money but gives you a healthier
alternative to store bought produce. You know exactly what chemicals are being
used in the production, no surprises. Just as importantly your dedication and
love for the garden gives you a newly found respect for the plant and it’s
fruits. You tend to waste less and enjoy your food more.
But I live in the city! How can I have the benefits of a garden?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you must have a lot of land in
order to garden. While it is true that there are some fruits/vegetables that
require a little more land for rooting, most can be grown in containers on your
porch. Many hybrids have been created for the container gardener although
traditional forms of lettuce, hot peppers, bell peppers, bushy cucumbers,
onions, garlic, carrots, and many other vegetables will grow quite well in
containers. I urge you all to plant at least one vegetable that you use
frequently this year and enjoy the benefits of gardening for yourself. If growing them in a container is still not an option, many cities have community gardens that are available to those who have the desire.
As always, I would love to hear your experiences!
~Tree~
